$6.45 A Day

Owning a boat is easier than you think

Published online: Apr 20, 2011NewsJohn Barr

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Have you ever driven by a lake and looked with envy at all those families enjoying a glorious day on the water? Did you think to yourself, "Boy, I wish I were out there with the wind blowing through my hair and the spray in my face." But that's just wishful thinking and the daydream is shattered when the realities of life set in.

You know your budget just can't handle the payments on a new boat. After all, you've got three kids to clothe and feed, a mortgage, and don't forget the orthodontist. I bet he's got a new boat, with all the money you're paying him every month. The bottom line is you think you just can't afford a boat on top of all the necessities of life and responsibilities of a family.

But, how badly do you really want it? Just picture this. You and your family fishing, swimming, skiing, or just sunbathing on a balmy summer's day. How much is that worth to ya, buddy? You could even please your better half by bringing along your mother-in-law, bless her soul. That in itself would be worth the cost of admission to life on the water and would make life a little easier on the home front as well.

You Can Do It

I'm here to tell you that there is a way to get on the water this season for about $200 a month. Think about it. That's only $6.45 a day. Granted you will have to make some sacrifices, but it won't hurt that much. You probably already spend that much each day on frivolous things you really don't need anyway.

Let's look at this closely. What could you give up or do that would average $6.45 a day and not cause too much pain? Here are a few ideas:

Forgo that Venti pumpkin spice frappuccino and a scone at your morning coffee stop. Give up that cheeseburger, large fries and drink at your favorite burger joint. Pass on that movie rental (and late fee); read a PDB magazine. Walk to your buddy's house and save three gallons of gasoline. Don't buy that book on lawn care that won't help your dead lawn anyway.

Wash your own car. Iron your own shirts, wear them twice, and avoid the dry cleaner. Do you really need that subscription to Chopper magazine? Brown bag it and pass on that alfalfa sprouts with free roaming chicken sandwich. Look for a cheaper internet service, everybody else is.

Go on a diet. Think of all the money you'll save by not buying junk food.Give up smoking, boating's more fun. Recycle. Have your kids pick up aluminum cans on the way

home from school. Stop drinking designer bottled water.

See what I mean? Just give up one or more of these and you're there.

It won't be that big of a sacrifice at all. You can do it.

Let's Crunch the Numbers

Okay, so you decide to bite the bullet and make the sacrifice. What can you hit the water in for $200 a month? Let's crunch the numbers. According to the dealers we surveyed, for $200 a month, plus deposit, you can get into a boat that costs around $22,000 to $25,000 equipped and ready to go.

But what kind of boat can you get for that kind of money? You would be surprised at the variety of excellent deck boats and pontoons you can climb into for that figure. So what are you waiting for, let's get you out on the water this summer!